Brass

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc - the proportions of each can be varied to create a range of brasses with different properties. It's available in a wide variety of product forms and sizes to allow minimum machining to finished dimensions, and unlike mild steel, it doesn't become brittle at low temperatures. It's often chosen for decoration, for its muted yellow colour similar to gold, or for its ability to be patinated.

Brasses come in a range of attractive colours, from red to yellow to gold to silver - with the addition of 1% manganese, brass will weather to a chocolate brown. Nickel silvers polish to a brilliant silver finish. Brasses are easy to shape, and with all these colours available, it's no surprise architects and designers use brass to enhance the appearance of new and refurbished buildings, both inside and out.

Brass is a favourite for the detailing and fittings that make a piece feel finished - we hand-hammer, polish and patinate it to order at our Sussex workshop.